The Confidence Gap Isn’t In Your Head—It’s In Your Body

The “confidence gap” is often framed as a mindset issue—women supposedly just need to believe in themselves more. But what if that’s only half the story? In this episode, I explore why mindset work alone won’t close the confidence gap, especially for ambitious mothers navigating the motherhood penalty and constant parenting changes.

You’ll learn how systemic bias, shifting family demands, and your body’s stress responses shape confidence far more than simple positive thinking. Most importantly, I share body-awareness tools to help you prepare for high-stakes situations, regulate panic in the moment, and show up with embodied confidence at work and at home.

For more resources go to www.bodyfulminds.com or follow on Instagram @bodyful_minds

References:

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• Correll, S. J., Benard, S., & Paik, I. (2007). Getting a job: Is there a motherhood penalty? American Journal of Sociology, 112(5), 1297–1339. https://doi.org/10.1086/511799

• Cuddy, A. J. C., Fiske, S. T., & Glick, P. (2004). When professionals become mothers, warmth doesn’t cut the ice. Journal of Social Issues, 60(4), 701–718. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-4537.2004.00381.x

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• Henderson, A. J. Z., Harmon, K. G., & Newman, D. L. (2016). The price mothers pay, even when they are not buying it: Mental health consequences of idealized motherhood. Sex Roles, 74(11–12), 512–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-015-0534-5

• Kay, K., & Shipman, C. (2014). The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know. HarperBusiness.

• Khalsa, S. S., et al. (2018). Interoception and mental health: A roadmap. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 3(6), 501–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.004

• Mehling, W. E., et al. (2011). The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA). PLoS ONE, 7(11), e48230. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0048230

• Nomaguchi, K., & Milkie, M. A. (2020). Parenthood and well-being: A decade in review. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 198–223. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12646